Sealant on base gaskets?
 

I asked this on another post and only got one response, so I'll ask again and try to get some concensous.

Wayne recommends putting 574 on the base gaskets. This seems like it would be rather difficult to do with the cylinders already on and nearly impossible to get all 6 cylinders and heads installed and tightened in the 45 minute drying time for 574. So I'm curious if those of you with leak free rebuilds use any base gasket sealant and what type?

Yes,

574 on the base gaskets (both sides) and camtower-->head union. Very do-able in the curing time allowed doing 1 side at a time.

The brush technique does work well on the gaskets and camtower, but keep an eye out for stray bristles.

No leaks 10K miles later.

I've used Curil-T several times with good results. I've read on this board that many other people do too. It never hardens, which makes it self-healing. It is also more forgiving than 574 on installation.

Good luck,

JP

Heres a good thread with a lot Curil T references for the base gaskets (read Henry's post halfway down the first page)

I use a non-hardening sealant on these. That way I can take my time and not worry about the cure time. I use a permatex sealant. No leaks on 2 separate rebuilds.

-Andy

I use no sealant, just like the factory, and have never had a leak. However, I have only done this three times!! There are people here who have done it far more times than I with a sealant and they swear by their results also. I don't know if there is a "right" answer to this question.

Jeff

I sprayed K&W Copper Coat on mine per recommendation of John Walker.

Seemed to work very well.

Brian

I'm going to give the Curil-T a try. I'm using 0.5mm gaskets instead of the two 0.25mm gaskets that were there and were squeezing out.

Same here. No leaks. No worries.
"In John We Trust".

Doug, where does one find K&W Copper Coat?

Jeff

I bought my K&W Copper Coat at NAPA.

Brian

Thanks

Is the copper coat a very thin coating or does it have some thickness like a tube type sealant?

Very thin. You can buy it in a spray on or liquid brush on form.

I chose the spray on. Sprayed it on both sides let it set up for a minute or 2, then installed.

When we tightened the heads down it squeezed out.

Brian

I used the copper spray too, no leaks at all at this location! Spray it on and let it get tacky.

I don't know about the "K&W" brand, but I used the copper spray made by Permatex. Found it at Lordco.

Thanks Doug!

Cheers, Jeff

I have never used a sealant on the base gaskets and have not experienced any leaks.

As mentioned above, the factory doesn't use a sealant.

If your cylinder bases and case are true, you shouldn't need it.

You can reuse the copper base gaskets as long as they straight and you don't booger them up during removal.

Tinker.